From the end of the Opium War in 1842 until around 1900, several Western countries increased their economic and political influence in China. Here are five of them:
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Britain: The British were the primary players during the Opium Wars, leading to the Treaty of Nanking in 1842, which opened up several Chinese ports to British trade and ceded Hong Kong to Britain. They maintained considerable influence in China through various treaties and concessions.
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France: France expanded its influence through military interventions and treaties. The Second Opium War (1856-1860) resulted in the Treaty of Tientsin, which gave France significant economic privileges and rights, including access to more ports and the legalization of Christianity.
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Germany: Germany established a foothold in China following its imperial ambitions in the late 19th century, notably after the seizure of Kiautschou Bay in 1897. It gained concessions that allowed German companies to develop economic interests, particularly in Shandong Province.
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Russia: Russia expanded its influence through the northeastern region of China, particularly in Manchuria. The Treaty of Aigun (1858) and the Convention of Peking (1860) allowed for significant territorial gains and increased Russian economic and political presence in the region.
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United States: Although entering later than some other powers, the U.S. established its influence through the Open Door Policy introduced in 1899, which advocated for equal trading rights among nations and aimed to prevent colonization. The U.S. also negotiated several treaties, like the Treaty of Wanghia (1844), which granted Americans favorable trading terms.
These countries utilized treaties, military interventions, and economic agreements to shape China's political landscape during this tumultuous period.
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